Hey guys, I'm considering a 2" leveling kit for the new truck but I'm not sure which size rims and tires would be best. I don't want to kill my gas mileage too much either. I would like either 18's or 20's but I don't know what width and how big of a tire. I'll probably be going with Eagle wheels and ATZ tires too.

Thanks!

 

If you have a 4x4, I'd suggest an 18x9 inch wheel with 5 to 6 inches of backspacing and a 325/60-18 (33x13.00) tire.

 

How big can you go before you hurt the gas mileage?

 

ANytime you go taller or wider, the gas milage will be affected. However, one you go over 33's is when it really seems to fall off quickly.

 

Going with an 18x9 is your best bet, but if you have to go with a 20 stick with 20x8.5 or 20x9 with 5-6 inches of backspacing.

 

Just curious... why is the 18" the best bet? Cost of 20" tires?

 

I debated 18 vs 20 for my FX4. The real difference in price was about $300 for the 4 wheel / tire combination. I ended up going with 20's because I figured the wheels on it now are 20's and I could afford the $300. I went with a 20x9 with 5.79" backspacing and 33x13 tires. If I have to do a bit of trimming, so be it.

 

here is why i went with 17's and not 20's

tires:
- 17"=240 a piecce
- 20"=350-400 a piece

rims:
- 17"= 145 a piece
-20"= 300 a piece

the difference was like 1100-1200 dollars which i didnt want to spend at the time. i might eventually throw some 20's on there but not any time soon

 

There are a lot of factors, honestly, not just size. Such as, do you want chrome or black? Painted black are much cheaper than chrome, usually only 2/3 the price.

For instance, I bought a Moto Metal 951 Chrome, 20" was $291 each, a 17" version is $238, so that would be $212 difference. But if I went to the black instead of chrome, I would be spending $254 for 20" and $151 for 18" which is a total savings of $148 and $560 respectively from the 20" Chrome I did buy.

On the tire front, it's the same thing. You can get a premium brand, such as Nitto, Toyo or Mickey Thompson, or go with a Goodyear or Bridgestone. I went with a Mickey Thompson ATZ myself.

Again, depends on a lot of factors. The easiest way to determine what to buy is 1) set your budget; 2) determine what features are most important and put them in order; 3) find a tire/wheel combo that best meets your requirements.